Gusmao Brissi, S and Debs, L (2024) Principles for adopting offsite construction in design and construction companies focused on multifamily projects in the USA. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 31(11), pp. 4308-4329. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: This study focuses on identifying key principles for implementing strategic changes in design and construction companies interested in successfully using offsite construction (OSC) in multifamily housing projects, considering the need for more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing in the United States of America (USA). Design/methodology/approach: Using mixed methods, the study involved three phases of data collection and data analysis: (1) delphi survey, (2) online survey, (3) proposition of principles and validation interviews. Findings: The key principles identified by the present research are (1) develop product-oriented business model, (2) promote leadership and mindset engagement with OSC principles, (3) engage in partnerships and more innovative contractual models, (4) shift toward digital transformation, (5) develop training and knowledge management strategies, (6) adopt lean construction (LC) practices, (7) develop training and knowledge management strategies and (8) integrate logistics and supply chain management with AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) processes. Practical implications: The implementation of the principles and strategic changes identified in this study aims to prepare design and construction companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to embrace the increasing use of OSC in multifamily projects in the USA, which will make them more efficient and resilient and, ultimately, will contribute to the construction of more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing projects in the USA. Originality/value: This is the first research to address holistic strategies to support design and construction companies in adopting OSC.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | company management; Delphi survey; multifamily housing; offsite construction; United States |
| Index terms: | strategy, mindset, survey, housing project, interview, United States, lean construction, data analysis, housing, knowledge management, methodology, validation, partnership, transformation, mixed method, Delphi survey, United States of America, implementation, business model, design and construction |
| Subjects: | professional development, Geography, research methods, management, building construction, partnership management, housing and residential development, health behaviours and lifestyles, business, construction type, data collection methods, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Site Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Information Management, Business Strategy, Procurement, Construction Technology, Stakeholder Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here